Word Scavenger Hunts- p.136-138

The name says it all for this one.  There are a variety of ways for students to find examples, illustrations, or objects to show the definition of vocabulary words.  Here are the steps the book suggests.

Choose a list of words for your unit of study.  It should include about 5-10 words.
Have students define the words.  This could be done electronically or on index cards.
In teams, students gather objects or pictures to show the word's meaning.  This could be done using magazines for pictures, digital pictures put in a document, or actual physical objects.  Add more fun by making it a team competition with a prize.  We all know students can be bribed with food and bonus points!
Teams present their definitions and representations to the class.  The class votes on the best display.
Students can create a collage, power point, or display of items.

I have done a variation of this with my Economics class in the past.  Students have to find pictures online that are examples of vocabulary words.  I plan on fully implementing this strategy when Economics starts next nine weeks.  Students are putting the textbook definition into practice by finding, deciding, and finally choosing something to represent that vocabulary term.  Students have a much better understanding of concepts that may be completely foreign to them (like Economics) when they can visualize something tangible for that vocabulary term.

Vocabulary Cards

A better way to learn vocabulary...vocabulary note cards.  Duh!  See Instructional Routines to Develop Content Literacy for any variations to the vocabulary note card strategy.  There is more than one way to do this activity.  Feel free to modify.  The students need the following: vocabulary list, note cards, a dictionary, and a pencil.

1.  Write the vocabulary word in the middle of the index card.
2.  Write a simplified definition
3.  Write an example of the word and maybe a sentence with the word.
4.  Write a non example of the word or maybe an antonym.
5.  Draw a picture of the word.
6.  Study cards to ace the test!  Awesome!

Word Grids/Semantic Feature Analysis

Word grids allow teachers and students to construct charts to give a visual representation of characteristics of a given topic. A word grid allows students to actively participate as they organize a group of related information. It allows students to demonstrate prior knowledge and also leaves room to record the new information they learn.

For instance, in Geometry, the teacher could start a word grid for quadrilaterals. Of course, students are familiar with many four sided figures such as squares and rectangles. They could quickly identify characteristics of those - four right angles, opposite sides equal, opposite sides parallel, etc. As the chapter progresses, new quadrilaterals such as parallelogram, trapezoid and rhombus could be added to the word grid. By the end of the chapter, students have an excellent study guide with all of the related shapes and characteristics in one location.

Word grids or charts are useful in all subject areas. They can be used anytime during a unit - before, during or after. How do you use word grids in your class?